HMX Hibiscus vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches offer distinct yet appealing experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its ultra-light actuation force, which provides an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience, making it a top choice for those who prioritize speed and comfort. Its satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound profile adds a delightful auditory dimension that many users find rewarding. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch emphasizes stealth and subtlety, offering a quieter typing experience ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions—though specific sound and actuation force details are not highlighted. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to whether one prefers the engaging sound and smoothness of the Hibiscus or the silent efficiency of the Silent Ocean. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials used in the HMX Hibiscus and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches reveals significant distinctions, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing that lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon’s softer characteristics. This inherent softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience that some typists may prefer for a muted and comfortable typing session. Conversely, the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and thus produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The clarity and higher-pitched tones generated by the polycarbonate allow for a more pronounced auditory experience, making it a favorite for users who appreciate crisp acoustics in their keystrokes.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Hibiscus and Silent Ocean switch designs employ nylon. The uniformity in the bottom housing materials means that both switches will exhibit similar characteristics when it comes to sound and feel from the base upon bottoming out. As nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, the bottoming-out sound will be dampened, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory response in both switches. This shared trait may make both switches appealing for typists who favor a more muted and softer bottom-out experience while still benefiting from the distinct properties of their respective top housings.
The combination of different top housing materials and the same bottom housing in the HMX Hibiscus and Emu Silent Ocean switches signifies a nuanced interplay between acoustic characteristics. When pressed, typists will feel the qualities of the nylon bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel similarly across both switches, while the contrasting top housings dictate the auditory experience as the key is released. This unique blending of materials ensures that typists can find a desired tactile and auditory response tailored to their preferences, whether that be the deeper, fuller tones of the Hibiscus or the sharper clarity offered by the Silent Ocean. The resulting diversity in user experience highlights the importance of housing materials in achieving personalized typing comfort and satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that impact user experience. The Hibiscus has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its ease of use. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This more substantial resistance appeals to those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel while typing. Therefore, the Hibiscus switch is the lighter option, suitable for users who prioritize comfort over long durations, while the Silent Ocean offers a heavier experience for those who enjoy a firmer typing action. The differences in bottom out forces also highlight that the Hibiscus is more forgiving on the fingers, which can prevent fatigue during prolonged use, whereas the Silent Ocean's design will demand more force, catering to users who prefer a more robust switch feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Hibiscus features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance can impact the overall typing experience; the Hibiscus may provide quicker responses favored by gamers seeking rapid action, while the Silent Ocean's greater depth might appeal to users looking for a more substantial tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
The Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, contributing to an engaging auditory experience that many typists and gamers find rewarding. The sound profile is lively, enhancing the overall atmosphere of typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean does not have a well-defined sound character described, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. It's worth noting that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard design and type of keycaps used, so personal preference may still play a significant role in the end-user's experience.
When it comes to feel, the hibiscus switches are renowned for their unparalleled smoothness, providing a very light actuation force that makes rapid keystrokes easy and enjoyable for users. This smoothness translates to a fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, there is no specific description available regarding the feel of the Silent Ocean switches. This missing information leaves room for uncertainty about their tactile feedback and resistance, which can be crucial for users looking for specific typing characteristics.
In conclusion, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch stands out with its remarkable sound and feel, promising a smooth typing experience along with a vibrant auditory presence. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean lacks detailed descriptors for both sound and feel, which might make it less appealing to some users who prioritize these attributes in their typing experience. If sound and feel are priorities for your typing experience, the Hibiscus would certainly serve you well, while the Silent Ocean may require further personal exploration to uncover its potential.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and crave a smooth, responsive typing experience with an engaging sound profile, the HMX Hibiscus is the ideal choice. Its lower actuation force and pleasant acoustic characteristics make it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel and are looking for a switch that provides greater tactile feedback with a medium-heavy resistance, the Outemu Silent Ocean could be more suited to your needs. While it lacks a distinct sound profile, its sturdier resistance can prevent accidental key presses, making it a good option for those who might type with more force or prefer a quieter operation that doesn’t compromise on feedback. Ultimately, consider how you use your keyboard—whether you prioritize a light, responsive feel with enjoyable acoustics or require a more substantial switch with a quieter operation—and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
